Before I tell you about some of our exciting food and drinks this week, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Rachel and I am the new face at Paris Grocery. With many happy years traveling around Europe, as well as a degree in the anthropology of food I am always happy to chat about cheese, wine, charcuterie, or the finer points of the cacao bean!

Although the sunshine in Seattle remains tucked behind dense cloud today, there are many reminders that it is high summer in the city. The market is overflowing with flowers, fish, and visitors alike, Bastille Day has been and gone, and very occasionally, the temperature approaches a level sufficient to bare the skin to some rays.

Honeydew with tarragon and Finocchiona

In a summery spirit, I brought home a large, pale green honeydew melon from the market yesterday. Carved into chunks, tossed with a handful of fresh tarragon, and paired with our Finocchiona–a gorgeous salami from Zoe’s Meats flecked with fennel, pink peppercorns, and orange peel–it makes a fine summer snack or hors d’oeuvre.

Wine Country sodas

Also perfect for a lazy, sun-drenched afternoon we have just received a shipment of Wine Country sodas. These sophisticated non-alcoholic sippers are come in three varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rose. In addition to being an elegant alternative to wine they make a refreshing alternative to soda in sangria ($2.49).

Les Boutières

For those interested in a fine vin de bourgogne, here’s a specimen for you to try; 2009 Domaine des Croix, Aloxe Corton, Les Boutières ($40.00). “Dried cherries, flowers and herbs flow together beautifully in this mid-weight, refined Burgundy. High-toned floral notes reappear on the delicate finish” (Robert Parker).

Wild black currant preserves

And while you’re sampling the season’s fruit, try our Harvest Song wild black current preserves ($6.99). The rich, dark fruit flavors of this artisan jam from Armenia are at their best when dabbed onto a fresh croissant for breakfast or slathered over a hot, buttered scone for tea.

And last but not least, a diminutive classic–Madeleines Recette de Commercy. We have received our first batch of these everyday French favorites. We are selling them individually ($0.99) and in bags of 12 ($7.49). So come and have a taste; you’ll know why Proust remembered!